Bahçeli's 100-person commission proposal rejected

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş met with the group deputy chairmen of the parties as part of efforts to form a commission. The AKP proposed that the commission consist of 35 members and have a flexible structure under the chairmanship of the Parliament Speaker. This proposal found support on the grounds that establishing the commission by law would complicate the work.

AKP officials argued that the commission should be able to determine its own procedures and agenda, stating, "This commission cannot work like a specialized committee; it will make recommendations and take decisions by a qualified majority." It was also noted that Abdullah Güler or Abdulhamit Gül were being considered for the coordination of the commission.

DEBATES ON THE STRUCTURE AND NAME OF THE COMMISSION

The DEM Party requested the establishment of a 35-person commission and the participation of parties without parliamentary groups. The CHP, on the other hand, wanted the commission to consist of 35-40 members, to be established by law, and for decisions to be taken by a qualified majority. The New Path group shared similar views and proposed ensuring diversity in representation.

There were also discussions regarding the name of the commission. While the ruling wing proposed the name "Terror-Free Turkey," the DEM Party preferred the name "Peace and Democracy." The ruling party opposed the word "peace" on the grounds that the country is not at war. The New Path group focused on names such as "Democracy and Reconciliation."

COMMISSION'S WORK SCHEDULE

All parties proposed that the commission be established before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) goes on recess and that it work throughout the summer. Although it has been decided that the TBMM will officially work until July 31, it was stated that it could go on recess on July 17 or 18.

BAHÇELİ'S PROPOSAL AND THE PAST PROCESS

Devlet Bahçeli had proposed the establishment of a 100-person commission under the chairmanship of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş at the opening of the 28th Legislative Year. This proposal had come to the agenda during the process that began with Bahçeli's call to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and the announcement of the PKK's decision to disband. However, this proposal was not accepted by the AKP and other parties, and focus was placed on different commission structures.